Single Publication

Lookout Fire closure area reduced due to recent rains, successful suppression and repair efforts

Petes Lake closure expires, opening access to Three Sisters Wilderness

Springfield, Ore. – Sept. 29, 2023 — The Lookout Fire closure area was reduced today due to cooler, wetter weather and successful firefighting and suppression repair efforts, opening access to some popular recreation sites in the McKenzie corridor. A closure order for the Petes Lake Fire also expired this week, opening access to all trails within the Three Sisters Wilderness that are on the Willamette National Forest.

The lightning-caused Lookout Fire, which was reported on Aug. 5, is approximately 25,751 acres and 50% contained. The closure order, which is for public and firefighter safety, is in effect through Oct. 29, 2023, unless rescinded or modified sooner.

Many popular recreation sites and trails are now open, including Sahalie Falls and portions of the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail. Popular destination Blue Pool may only be accessed from the north on the McKenzie River Trail, with Koosah Falls Day Use area as the nearest access point. Parking is limited, so visitors are asked to plan accordingly in the event there is no safe or legal parking available. Forest Service Road 15 remains open.

Outside of the Lookout closure boundary, there are several roads closed for emergency fire suppression and repair activity, including FS Road 2672-655, FS Road 2672, FS Road 2657, FS Road 2653, and FS Road 2649. For the latest information on any road closures, please monitor TripCheck for updates: https://tripcheck.com/

The Petes Lake Fire, which was also sparked by lightning and started on Aug. 25, 2023, is now 3,254 acres. The fire burned across a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, and the public is reminded to use caution through fire-impacted areas. For more information about recreating in burned areas, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/learning/safety-ethics/

For the complete list of recreation sites and roads included in the Lookout Fire Closure Order, visit our website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/alerts-notices/